Total Joint Replacement Educational Series Part 12: FAQs About Total Joint Replacement After The Surgery
- What restrictions do
I have after total joint replacement?
- There are very few restrictions
for patients after surgery.
The only activity we do not recommend for patients is jogging for
exercise as it accelerates the wear on your new joint. Patients with hip replacements are
told not to cross the operative leg over the other leg at the knees as
this can put you in a position where you could potentially dislocate. You
can cross at the ankle and bend all the way down as long as the legs are
apart at the knees. You can resume all other activities based on your
comfort and confidence level.
- Do I need to take an
anticoagulant after surgery?
- All of Dr. DiGioia's
surgical patients are to have Lovenox injections for 2 weeks
postoperatively and then ASA (aspirin) for 2 weeks. Some patients have a
higher risk for blood clots and have to take the blood thinners for a
longer time.
- How soon after my
total joint replacement can I return to work?
- You may return to
work as soon as you feel comfortable. Following a normal TKR/THR a
patient should be out of work no longer than 4-8 weeks, but many patients
can return to work in as little as 3 weeks.
- Will I be able to go
to a rehab facility after surgery?
- 99% of our patients
are able to return home after surgery without any problems. You are full weight
bearing the night of your surgery and are able to climb stairs right away
as well. For 2-5 days
following discharge, a physical therapist will come to your home to work
with you, and you will attend outpatient therapy for 2 to 4 weeks at a
physical therapy location close to your home. On occasion, however, if there are medical or surgical
issues, patients will be sent to a skilled nursing facility, but we
always prefer for our patients to go home. For the most part insurance companies are no longer
covering stays in rehabilitation facilities after joint replacement.
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